Origin (Transformers)

Chapter 9

'Lessons.'

---

"Yes, FirstAid, that's all for today." WheelJack smiled as the younglings started getting up to hand the datapad they've been working with.

"It is only a beginning. I wanted to know how much knowledge each of you has."

"But we have different age... How are you going to teach us if someone knows more."

"Don't worry, mechling, we'll think of something. I will ask you some more things tomorrow too. Plus, there is a program that will help me decided which of you will get extra information and exercises. But most of the things you will be all learning together." The scientist explained with a smile and honest WheelJack would be saying he had enjoyed teaching the sparklings way too much. He would have never though having it in himself but mech loved kids and after the constant surroundings consisting of grumpy medics or engineers or the hot-headed warrior, the comparably short time he spent with the young ones was like some oil for a rusted joint. He hadn't become a guardian but what he got seemed even more pleasing. WheelJack almost gave a laugh at his naïve joy. It couldn't be all that perfect and easy... But he did not mind some challenge. These kids were just bringing his inner child out too much and so it was good he hadn't become a guardian...

"Look, it's Prime."

WheelJack turned to the entrance and saw a figure of their leader having entered the small room of the lab organized for studying of young ones.

"Optimus, what a pleasing surprise."

"Good orn, WheelJack. I just managed to spare some time to visit our little friends." The gigantic mech smiled but despite his big size the energy around him was too welcoming to scare the small bots.

"Good orn, sir. I hope you are doing well." Arcee smiled but for the older mechs it was obvious that she was trying to remember the small etiquette lessons Mirage had given her and so the two gave an amused chuckle at the naivety.

"Honeying..." Smokescreen rolled his optics but received a non-amused look from FirstAid,"It's called manners, Smokescreen."

That made Blue and Bee laugh and Smokescreen shrugged in response.

"I hope you are enjoying your studies and I am sure you behaved well for WheelJack."

"They were great, Optimus."

The mech shortly explained what tests he had given to kids and which plans he had considering their education. The Autobot leader was pleased and then turned his attention at the young ones who appeared to be interested in his presence more than he had expected. All except one mechling who preferred just watching, yet managing not to let other sparklings notice his wordless isolation. WheelJack noticed Jazz too but wordlessly agreed with Prime not to point it out yet. It was normal that some might need more time... He glanced at the datapad that had been handed the last and it happened to be the one used by Jazz.

Without any assumptions WheelJack simply skimmed through the list of answers and the lack of them took his attention. The answer lines were not empty but there was no answer at the beginning of the test, while the last tasks were mostly complete... WheelJack frowned - that did not make any sense. The beginning was easier... May be Jazz decided it was too simple and did not bother to fill the answers. But although they looked simple WheelJack still needed to see mechling's thought. It was not only about knowledge. The scientist looked back at the group and his leader. They seemed to be completing their conversation and Smokescreen voiced, "Hey, so we're free to go now?"

"Yes, mechling, you are."

"Hurray! Hey Bee, Blue! The last one outside is a glitching ram."

"What's a- Hey! "

"Smoky! It's not fair!"

"Wait for us!"

The three passed around Prime's peds and jolted out of the room. The other three was also ready to go.

"Jazz, may I have a moment with you?"

The mechling paused and looked at WheelJack and then at his friends.

"We'd better not leave them alone there." FirstAid reminded and gave Jazz a questioning look.

"I'll meet you outside by the forth gate."

Prime found WheelJack's remark important and decided to stay and once the two left the scientist spoke.

"You left the third of the questions unanswered... I know these might seem a bit easy but I want to see the way you answer them..."

"Weren't they the same?" Jazz questioned simply confusing the older mech.

"What do you mean?"

"They seemed the same. There were some questions in Computer coding style and in Simplified that were similar to each other, so I thought..."

"Well, some of them are but not all... Anyway, it's fine but can you stay a bit longer, please, and finish them." WheelJack handed the datapad back but what Jazz did was only to stare at the text.

"I can't read it." The mechling said after several clicks of silence and the older mechs once again exchange troubled looks,"It's not Simplified."

"Yes, it is Standard. Have you not studied it?"

"I believe Jazz has not been introduced to Standard. Kaon uses Simplified, am I correct?"

"Yeh, or coding. I've never seen this before..."

"It is Iaconian standard, mechling. Mostly the same but the writing method is different."

Jazz frowned,"Then why not use Simplified?"

Prime smiled sympathetically at the meching's confusion. It was understandable that something Jazz had never come across before would be strange. "You see, Jazz, simplified was introduced for faster information exchange in some spheres. It is fast and simple, yet, unfortunately, lacks a lot Standard can provide: it has a smaller variety of sound description and vocabulary. Kaon is a city of mixtures and Simplified was only logical to become the most useful and fast way of information transfer."

"So, you mean, it's primitive."

"It is more... narrow, mechling."

"But that's what I learned. And Coding style."

"We do use them too but Iaconian standard is one of the most used. Sadly, you won't be able to do without it... WheelJack, will you be able to assist?"

Prime looked at the scientist who has slightly recovered from his surprise, "Oh, yes. Well, it will take more time than I expected but I think I can arrange that. You do need Standard."

"Cool..."Jazz let out some air and did not seem enthusiastic.

"Do not worry, mechling." Optimus couldn't hold the amused smile,"FirstAid has extra classes with Ratchet and Mirage also teaches Arcee."

"You mean Prowl will be my teacher?"

"What- ehh, no." WheelJack straightened a bit surprised by the assumption, "I will be working with you. But with the right practice lists any mech can help you with that."

"Alright... I can go now?"

"Oh, of course. You're free."

"Enjoy you time, mechling."

Without any word Jazz left the room leaving the mechs alone.

"He will learn."

"I can't believe he doesn't know Standard. I mean- Optimus, it's standard. How did he even live without it? Almost all literature is in Standard, education too. A bit of coding style and numerology but without standard... Has he even received any education?"

"What do the tests say?"

"I haven't looked into it yet. Well, he did complete the most of other questions, I need to check them. He studied with older mechs, you said?"

"He lived with them and I'm sure he learned at least something. And, as I said, Kaon does not use Standard."

WheelJack signed at the apologetic and understanding look of his leader.

"Even with the lack of knowledge, WheelJack, I believe this mechling will surprise us with his talents. He has potential. He is clever."

"Well, he did survive that long..."

"And cared for sparklings that were in need if his help."

"Still no clue where he got them from?"

"They preferred not to reveal it for some reason. Let it be so then."

"Alright, so Standard it is... Sir, ehm, may I ask one more question... Was it wise to make Prowl Jazz's guardian?"

Prime's face revealed no of his though on that matter, "You would have volunteered?"

"Me? Oh... I might work as a teacher but not a guardian, eh, no, I don't think so..."

Optimus gave a sigh, "No one else volunteered..."

"Oh..."

"Yes..."

They were silent for several click but then Prime spoke, "I had had my own doubts, WheelJack, but... Now I think Prowl is a right choice. I have talked with him and it seems Prowl knows what's his doing. I know we can trust him this mechling."

"I hope you are right... Do not mean any disrespect towards our tactician but sometimes Prowl seems so..."

But before WheelJack found a better way to phrase his though Prime smiled again with a knowing look.

"Believe me, he is not... I will ask you to keep me updated. Especial when it comes to Jazz's progress."

"Will do, Prime."

"Have a nice orn, WheelJack."

---

Half way out walking through the corridors of the base Jazz heard the loud voices even before one of the doors shut open and a group of bots walked in his way with a mech he recognized as Sentinel in their lead.

"Who they think they are?!"

"Come on, Sentinel, the meeting was long ago. Calm down already."

"Shut up! I'm done with lectures for today! How dare they! I have a title of Prime."

Jazz slowed down, as mechs seemed to keep taking more and more space not noticing his presence.

"Well, you know it's symbolic. You aren't a real Prime, just a relative-"

"One more word and I'll slap you." the mech growled, looking behind over his shoulder but kept walking and failed to notice a mechling he crashed in.

"Ow!"

"What in-?!"

"Look where you're going." Jazz mumbled out of surprise rubbing his helm. Both him and Sentinel managed to catch their balance and the older mech, already having been in a risky mood, realized how clumsy he just looked and so his temper worsened. He glared at the youngling with icy optics which brightened further once Jazz blinked his red optics.

"Watch it, vermin-"

"You bumped in me."

Some mechs exchanged looks seeing Sentinel's expression, bot's pride being pressed by a mechling who did not even flinch. Instead Jazz just stepped further trying to walk around the mech and squeeze through a group crowding the corridor.

"You don't speak to me like that-"

"Let me pass-" Jazz's attempt was cut by a harsh push forcing him to make several steps backwards.

"I am Sentinel Prime, do you even know how high my rank is?!" The mech growled and Jazz tried to hold his annoyance. Forget the 'Con officers, this guy was touchy. Which self-respecting mech acted this way? He knew he would get in trouble but it was something inside Jazz always had problem in dealing with... Something that did not let him keep his mouth shut when some bighead bot lectured him about his person's importance. It was so difficult to keep silent and that's why Jazz sometimes preferred staying away from the mech on the Decepticon base.

And so right now he couldn't help himself...

"Well, Ah surely know you take lot of space."

Jazz would bet that this mech lost his speaking ability at least for some clicks as he stared.

"How you little- Cliffjumper! Take that vermin to the bridge for five cycles!"

It could be worse. But that prideful grin the mech got when a red armored bot lazily walked from behind was something Jazz couldn't stand either. He would probably make it only worse for himself, after all being just a youngling arguing a highly ranked officer...

"Sentinel..." Someone called but the offended 'Bot did not even blink at the uncertain voice, "It will teach him some respect."

Jazz wore a grin of his own, "You just couldn't think of a better reply..."

Sentinel's features twitched, "Seven cycles and turn the light off. We'll see how brave you are."

Jazz grinned with a chalange, "Make it eight, I'll have a nap."

Cliffjumper already got a hold of his servo and pulled Jazz to walk as the mechling kept his gaze at the older bot.

"Lock him for eight."

Jazz's rebel attitude had gotten control of his mouth once again and gained him extra hours in a bridge.

But mechling's mind assured him that it could be worse. He received just several boring hours with nothing to do. These were worth seeing the look of this mech's deserved scratch on his pride and the unsure glances of the bots around.

FirstAid and others would probably wonder about his disappearance but that was temporary. What Jazz was actually glad about was that his actions seemed to no longer affect his friend. Back with the 'Cons he was their energon provider. He tried his best to avoid any conflicts for that reason. Here, however, they did not depend on him. At least, not that much.

The sparklings indeed noticed the absence of their friend. FirstAid had waited loyally by the gate and as the time passed, he realized it was not only his lack of activity making the waiting longer...

And so when WheelJack had been very close to blowing his new project again he was startled by a sudden presence of his students in the less safe area of the lab.

"WheelJack, we are sorry to interrupt but is Jazz still here?"

"What? Hasn't he met you already? I let him quite a while ago..."

"No..."

"Weird. Let me check, may be he is with Prowl..."

---

It was dark, it was silent, a bit creepy but oddly he was okay with it. May be it was the in-wall space the mechling so usually used or his life time back in Kaon where the needs of a young had mostly been ignored, leaving Jazz to find a way out himself, but something seemed to had strengthened and increased the limit of his calmness level. Jazz just laid on the bench behind the rails in the bridge, the two mostly bothering things being the boredom and the lock, preventing him from leaving by his own will. Jazz was so used to never being caught in sight and being the one to sneak in and out wherever he needed that this poor excuse of a lock was just so temptingly challenging his skills. Yet, despite having the knife Jazz preferred to ignore it, being sure that this will only lead to useless extra hours in bridge and an improvement of the lock...

The youngster huffed staring at the ceiling that was blending with the darkness around. Jazz had also considered taking out the only other thing he owned except the knife - a small player he had once gained on the streets of Kaon- but later he decided not to use it now and keep it safe in his subspace. If someone would actually bother to watch the camera, he preferred bots not knowing about his small device.

And so Jazz lay with his knife sliding between his not so topically constructed digits.

Despite the isolation and boredom, he knew that it hadn't been that long since he was locked. These were going to be long eight cycles.

A nap was not such a bad idea...

Ironically, he probably ended up in the place the most of the bots would want him to be. Jazz did consider that he might be left longer than eight cycles... But then again, Prowl was really insisting talking about the fact that Jazz was seen as an ordinary youngling. Of course, the he did not believe in that stupidity. He was a red-opticed undersized mechling in the base full of bots with Autobot in-signatures. Yet Prowl liked order. That is why Jazz was sure that eight cycles (may be a bit more) and he will be out.

Till the next time he was back here again...

Jazz moved his helm. The first day he had arrived in Iacon his Decepticon sign had been removed. He did not mind that. Red optics were already dragging attention like a heated metal dragged a scraplet. He might have lived in Kaon, he might have worn the sign but he never was a true Decepticon. No one even had ever bothered to ask him. Even if they did, it was not like he would refuse, while being stuck in the middle of Decepticon capital... But that was his life and Jazz never actually cared about the in-signature on his shoulder plate. But NOT becoming an Autobot was principal. At least as long as he did not WANT to be one of them.

Thankfully, no new in-signature had been forced on his shoulder again. What did that mean? Probably neutrality.

In the darkness mechling frowned hearing the door to the bridge open letting some light in. Wondering about the reason of someone's arrival he leaned on his elbows and saw three figures stopping behind the rails.

The lock clicked and the door opened.

"Come."

His guardian called and Jazz raised his optic ridge.

"Out already?"

Prime and Ratchet exchanged short glances and the medic stepped in. He kneeled by sitting mechling's side starting a scan as Prowl spoke, "How long did he give you?"

"Eight cycles..."

"This idiot-" the medic hissed but said no more in youngling's presence.

Jazz looked at his caretaker who called him once again, "Come."

With the three mechs Jazz left out to the halls, Prowl close by his side. The mechling was not sure why he was out so early and so he watched the older bots trying to find any clues. He had not met Prime many times and right now he saw a neutral expression and no more. Prowl's figure was a bit tensed and and Jazz seemed to have noticed a slight frown on his guardian's faceplate. Of course, the mech must have been annoyed. Angered even. After all, this was his order-loving caretaker and as a guardian he was also responsible for Jazz's actions, the mechling figured. He must have received a lecture from Prime or was sure to receive one... But out of three Ratchet was the most displeased one.

"I just can't find words to describe..." the medic finally said, "What's that poor excuse for an officer thinks he's doing?"

"Ratchet," Prime's calm voice tried to reason the CMO.

"You know I'm right. Today it's Jazz, tomorrow it might be FirstAid or Arcee or any of them. A youngling in a bridge-"

He through a short glance at Jazz and realizing that the mechling was listening stopped himself from further comments.

"I will talk to Sentinel myself."

Prime announced and additionally there was no doubt that Ratchet would have a special talk during the officer's check-up in the medbay.

"I believe Jazz would finally want to join his friends."

With that the Autobot leader met Jazz's optics and with a nod made his leave Ratchets following his example.

Jazz followed Prowl and both were silent till when the Praxian addressed him again, "Would you tell me what happened?"

Jazz through a short glance at his guardian but the mech's face kept neutral expression.

"I got released a bit later after class and bumped into Sentinal's group. He stepped on me, not my fault that mech can't see his surroundings."

"And I am sure he made some unpleasing comments."

"Yeh, he did."

"And so did you."

"He wouldn't let me through!" Jazz protested immediately but Prowl never lost the calmness in his expression nor did his tone change.

"And yet that is not an excuse for an offence, no matter officer or not."

"I don't care what his rank is. He cried like a femmeling AND expected me to call him a Prime! Why is he even called that way?"

"He is Optimus Prime's cousin. Before the fall of council some relatives of the chosen Prime could also receive the title without owning the matrix of leadership."

"That is stupid."

"This was used by council to please nobility yet never the true way of Prime nomination. We no longer continue such practice. But Sentinel does still have the title. And you should respect him."

"I don't like him."

"I do not expect that of you but the conflict was unasked for."

"I was standing up for myself."

"There are different ways of doing so, Jazz. Offence and disrespect can be avoided and that might actually bring a more pleasing result."

He looked at the youngling but Jazz refused to consider his guardian's words. That did not stop Prowl.

"What I am saying is that talking back, offending, attacking is not always the best way out. As far as we can tell you proved nothing but your recklessness. I refuse to believe you did not predict the unpleasing outcome."

"Several boring hours in the bridge. Come on, it's nothing."

"...Have you expected worse?"

"Don't know. Never got in huge trouble with 'Cons. Well, I never had to interact with them much but here you want me to study, go to reck-room, follow lessons etc. Everyone's staring at me all the time. I got annoyed at them mech, ok? Not my fault and it's not like someone got hurt. Unless you got a lecture from Prime."

"I did not. Although your actions cannot be approved, Sentinel should have known better. Autbots do not discipline younglings by putting them into bridge, Jazz."

Jazz was clearly confused, "...He got in trouble?"

"Not exactly. But he will not be sending you to bridge again. Nor will any other mech. As your guardian I am the one to choose methods of upbringing. If someone will not be pleased with your actions, then they do have the right to try reasoning you or informing me if the matter is more complicated."

He looked at Jazz again to make sure that his next words will be perceived carefully,

"That does not mean that you have the right to bother and talk back to elder bots, Jazz. You are to show respect or at least, try avoiding problems."

"In addition to all that, I would expect you to contact me, if any unpleasing situation arises. Or if you wish to discuss any other matter."

Jazz was listening and his look was far more serious than a youngling of his age was expected to have. At least, Prowl knew that his charge was not ignoring him. And, fortunately, he was not protesting anymore...

"Jazz."

Praxian called again and they stopped, already by the exit. The red optics looked up at the older mech and that look gave Prowl a sudden realization that from now on he was a guardian of this mechling. He had known it but for some reason this time a deeper feeling, understanding and acceptance all at once waved at him when Prowl caught that look.

This was not a Decepticon youngster, not a red-opticed bot, not a Kaonian. This was a one day mech-to-be youngling whose future would be greatly affected by Prowl's actions and decisions.

He was a part of Prowl's primary responsibilities.

A mechling Prowl was now linked to in more ways than one.

Prowl straightened his already straight posture and put a servo on Jazz's shoulder-plate, their optics creating a powerful connection of opposite forces.

"I am not your enemy, Jazz. Please, remember that."

The heavy gaze that Prowl managed to hold through softened and the attempt to study and look inside the mech in front of him changed into a hint of trust. A slight revealed evidence of trust it was but also something that showed mechling's true nature for a short click. It was a good nature...

With tension leaving his chassis Jazz looked outside in the direction of his friends. They noticed him and Smokescreen cheerfully waved a servo from the distance.

"Go."

Prowl took his servo of mechling's shoulder and watch the youngling give him a last look and walk to his friends. His slim, short figure with grey armor that blinked under the light of the sun walked away. Prowl watched just a bit longer before turning to perform his duties.

This mechling was his charge... And from now on Prowl was his guardian.

---

The ending happened to be much stronger than I expected...

And it took looong because I had no time to write.

Explanations:

1) I imagine Iaconian standard and Simplified as different writing styles of the same language. I doubt Cybertron uses letters... So I though they have a big variation of symbols. Plus I am sure there will be different way of reading this symbols so that is difference in Iaconian standard and Simplified.

Coding... Well, I think it is another way of presenting information... I know, it's not well thought-through but I really wanted to use these small details. They add to the presentation of Jazz's background... He is a bit uneducated compared to what he should know by now but we all know he is a smart guy:)

There might be more dialects and writing style but I am not sure if I should go so much into details... This story was supposed to be written fast! But I recieve inspiration in waves and my timetable does not always fit these waves, sadly...

2) Prime returned to meet Prowl and was talking to him when they WheelJack made a call. They contacted Blaster who checked camera recording who was left speechless for a click once realizing where Sentinal sent the youngling to. They contactedd ratchet just in case and the trio went to get Jazz.

3)any more questions?:/